Police, fire unions expected today to reveal results of pay cut vote

NEW BEDFORD — One day after firefighters cast their ballots, the police union voted Tuesday on the mayor's proposal to slash salaries, but the results were withheld pending an announcement today.

NEW BEDFORD — One day after firefighters cast their ballots, the police union voted Tuesday on the mayor's proposal to slash salaries, but the results were withheld pending an announcement today.

That is when the police and fire unions are expected to reveal the result of their votes and to comment on Mayor Scott W. Lang's plan for them and city employees to take a voluntary 10 percent pay cut to avoid layoffs.

The local branch of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees will vote in the near future.

The mayor has said layoffs could begin by Friday if the unions reject his plan to close a $2.8 million deficit in the current fiscal year. The shortfall was precipitated by Gov. Deval Patrick cutting local aid.

The police union met in afternoon and evening sessions Tuesday to vote on the mayor's proposal. Multiple police sources said there was an overwhelming consensus within their union and that of the firefighters to vote against the mayor.

If so, that would put Mayor Lang in the position of laying off dozens of police officers and firefighters. More than 300 municipal jobs — almost one out of four positions — are on the line.